Chapter 1: I'm a what-now?
-Suburbs of London, England, 1982-
A boy of about eleven years of age let out a sigh as he sat at a desk in his room, watching the rain pour outside his house.
He was taller than most kids his age, already in the five foot range despite being only twelve. He had caucasian skin, black hair and brown eyes behind a pair of glasses.
Attire wise, he was wearing a simple black shirt and blue jeans.
"I still can't believe that I had to move to a different town—Again!" The boy groaned as he flopped back into his chair in utter exasperation.
This was Joshua Lynch, and it was now a solid month since he and his parents moved from their home in Sacramento, California, to their now new home of Number 7, Privet Drive, Little Whining, Surrey London in the UK.
It sucked for him since it meant he had to adjust to get another town setting. He knew he was gonna bounce around a good bit due to his parents' work, but even now, it felt ridiculous.
Looking down at the plate of bacon, eggs and toast with Tea on his desk that had been freshly pulled from the oven, he picked up a strip and was about to bite it when he saw an owl land on his windowsill.
Specifically, the owl in question was a small tawny owl with feathers that reminded Joshua of a glass of tea with cream in it just before it was stirred—dark and light brown in an almost swirl.
The boy blinked at this, and he was pretty sure this avian wasn't supposed to be out and about for another few hours unless it was raised in captivity. Opening his window, he was surprised when the owl came in and sat on his desk—shaking the water off its feathers.
Then it grabbed a strip of bacon and started eating it.
"The nerve of some owls…" He muttered indignantly before he noticed a letter on its back. "Hm?" He hummed before taking the letter and started drying the little bird off, which it appreciated… and saw that the letter was addressed to him.
Joshua Lynch
Second Story Bedroom
Number 7, Privet Drive, Little Whining, Surrey
"What in blue blazes…?" He muttered as he opened the envelope and saw that it had a crest on it of some sort.
Dear Mr. Lynch, we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to attend the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Attached is the list of the supplies you will need and where to find them. I or one of our faculty members will be at your residence to escort you to said location on account of you being muggle (non-magic) born.
Please pay the owl with this letter in a little bit of food before sending him back. For reference, his name is Breakfast.
Thank you and have a pleasant evening.
Sincerely, Professor Minerva McGonnagall, Deputy Headmistress.
Joshua looked at the letter in disbelief before looking at the owl apparently named Breakfast, who looked back at him.
"... Come with me." He told the owl, holding his arm out for it to perch on.
Breakfast did as told and hopped onto his arm, where Joshua left the room to inform his parents of what happened.
"Mom, dad, there's been a hard to believe development!" The boy exclaimed as he walked downstairs.
"What's up, bubba?" His father, Christopher Lynch called, reading a copy of the paper as their fireplace roared in the living room.
"You know how owls would be messengers in certain stories? Well, I think I might be living one." The boy replied.
"What are–" The boy's father started to say as he looked at his son, blinking when he saw the owl and letter in his son's possession.
Chris was a man in his thirties with black hair and a beard with caucasian skin and brown eyes. He was rather heavyset in terms of his body build. He was currently wearing a white shirt and black shorts.
"What's this about an… Owl?" The man's wife questioned as she came into the room with some more tea—before seeing the bird in question, who let out a small screech in greeting.
She was a woman in her thirties, had caucasian skin, black hair with purple dyed tips and brown eyes. She was currently wearing a blue and white blouse and blue jeans.
This was Rebekah Lynch, Joshua's mother.
"Set the tea down, mom. Don't want it spilled." The boy told his mother.
"This is bound to be interesting." Chris mused as the owl got onto the coffee table and ate some offered food as Joshua handed him the letter.
The man read it, and his face became one of confusion as he handed the letter to his wife.
"... What?" She uttered, blinking.
"Yeah, that's how I felt, too." Joshua nodded. "I want to call this a prank, but this feels too elaborate." He added.
"A wizard huh?" Another voice hummed as Joshua's older brother, Nathan, took the letter and read it before sitting on the couch, scratching Breakfast under the chin.
Nathan was about two years older than Joshua at thirteen. He had brown hair, brown eyes and Caucasian skin. He was wearing a red shirt and a pair of black shorts.
"That's what it says." Joshua nodded.
"… You know, that makes a lot of sense when you think about it." Nathan hummed.
"It does explain a lot, you're right." Chris nodded.
"Ain't that the truth." Joshua hummed.
What they were talking about were a series of events that happened while they still lived in America. In certain places across the country, if they lived near a forest with an open backyard, Cryptids would actually come to Joshua.
For example, when they lived in Wyoming, he got a visit from some Jackalopes that took a liking to him… Though that also led to the Wampus Cat following said Jackalopes all the way to him.
Joshua was only five when that happened, and the ordeal gave him a fright.
Somehow, the six-legged big cat was able to make amends by giving the young Joshua some affection.
Another example was when they encountered the Florida Skunk Ape when they lived in Orlando during a year trip to the Everglades when Josh was eight.
The boy offered the Sasquatch a banana and they ate them together after he accidentally got lost in the swamp, which led to it protecting him from several wild coyotes and an alligator or two.
And even before then, Joshua was nearly snatched up by the Snally Ghaster when he was a baby right after he was born during his family's time in Germany—this instance nearly gave poor Rebekah a heart attack and Nathan was absolutely livid.
Luckily for all three of them, Chris had a very firm grip.
Needless to say, the Snally Ghaster never targeted Joshua again.
"I guess I can learn a thing or two if this school is as real as it seems." Joshua commented as he brought Breakfast over to a window, opened it and let him go on his way since the rain had lessened.
Breakfast shrieked and gave the boy an affectionate nibble on the nose before he flew away, making the boy smile.
"Looks like you just made a feathered friend, little brother." Nathan smiled.
"I can tell." Joshua chuckled.
(Later)
The rain had stopped a few hours later, and by that time, it was dusk and the dark was setting in.
Joshua was having a simple ham and cheese sandwich dinner in the dining room when he heard his dad's voice.
"Joshua, you've got a visitor!" The man called.
Wondering who showed up, Joshua set his sandwich down and walked into the living room, where he saw an elderly woman waiting for him.
She looked to be in her sixties with caucasian skin, had blue eyes with square glasses, a green witch hat on her gray-haired head and matching green robes.
"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Lynch, I am Professor Minerva McGonnagall, head of Gryffindor House, teacher of Transfiguration and deputy headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." The woman told them with a respectful tone.
"Transfiguration?" Rebekah questioned with a raised eyebrow.
In response, Minerva pulled out what looked to be a wand and transfigured their couch into a golden threaded one with scarlet cushions, the arms adorned with gems.
"... Wow." Joshua whistled, impressed.
"As the letter I sent has likely already informed you, young Joshua is indeed a wizard, as our quil and page of acceptance has agreed so." The woman explained, before noticing the confusion on Nathan's face. "These items keep tabs, so to speak, on everyone who is to turn 11 years old, and if they show enough magical ability, they are accepted." She explained. "And your son and brother has quite a bit of it." She added, looking at Joshua.
"Given the things he's experienced throughout his life, we believe it." Chris nodded.
"Pardon?" Minerva blinked.
"Ever since he was a baby, all manner of folklore—or I suppose magical—creatures seem to come to him." Rebekah explained. "When he was a baby, the Snally Ghaster almost took him." She added.
"When we lived in Florida, he made friends with the Skunk Ape when he got lost one day." Chris added.
"And in Wyoming he made friends with a Jackelope and a Wampus Cat." Nathan nodded. "It's like he's a creature magnet." He added.
"Perhaps he is." The Deputy Headmistress hummed as she took the information in. "Some are born with magical abilities unique to them, and based on what you've said, it sounds like he has a Creature Lure ability." She told them. "Very curious." She hummed.
"Will your school be a place where he can finally fit in?" Rebekah questioned. "He's… never really managed to fit in much anywhere, given how much we move." She explained, giving her son an apologetic look.
"If you'll allow him to attend, then we can make him into someone amazing." Minerva nodded in reply. "He'll find no shortage of friends, I can be sure of that." She nodded.
The Lynches looked at each other, and then at McGonnagall.
"Will anyone be able to accept our money, or do you have your own currency?" Chris asked.
"We have our own currency, but yours can be exchanged for it." The elderly woman replied.
"Okay, that's gonna make things easier." Joshua sighed in relief before pausing. "Wait, how much is one dollar in your society?" He questioned.
"That will be worth one silver Shilling." The woman replied.
"Okay, I'm probably gonna need to figure out how to get some magical world money…" Joshua muttered.
"We can take some from your school fund. It'll save us money, besides." Chris offered.
"Alright, then. Give it to me, and I'll worry about getting it exchanged." The boy nodded. Then he looked at Minerva. "When do we leave?" He asked.
"I will be here tomorrow morning and will escort you then." McGonnagall replied.
"I'll make sure to dress as best I can." Joshua nodded before the woman nodded back and took her leave after saying her goodbyes. "Well." The boy said with a shrug. "Guess I'm going to school." He nodded.
(Timeskip)
The next day found Joshua heading to another side of London with McGonnagall leading the way, the boy having most of his things packed up and ready, which his parents were shuttling to Kings Cross station whilst he got his supplies.
"What kind of things should I expect from where I'm going?" Joshua questioned as he walked with the elderly witch.
"Did you not read the note included with your letter and supply list?" The woman questioned.
"I meant behavior from people, generally." The boy clarified. "I know it'll be different, but not how much." He added.
"I think you best wait and see." The Deputy Headmistress replied as she directed him to a pub, whose sign revealed itself to be the "Leaky Cauldron" when they got close enough.
Walking inside, Joshua saw various patrons enjoying their drinks. The overall atmosphere was relaxing.
"Ah, Professor! Heading to Diagon Alley, I presume?" The man behind the bar questioned.
"And busy doing so, Thomas, so I've no time to chat." The woman replied as she walked through the bar to the back door, Joshua trailing close behind.
"I'll leave you to it, then." The man nodded.
When Minerva and Joshua stopped at a wall, the former tapped a series of bricks in a certain order before they opened like a doorway. On the other side was an alleyway with a few people traveling through it.
"Wow. There's gotta be dozens of these." Joshua blinked.
"All over the city. But this is by far the most discreet." McGonnagal replied as she led the boy down the street.
This was where he saw potion shops, joke shops, a magic pet store, bookstores, places to buy and sell your odds and ends and all manner of places he couldn't readily describe.
"Let me guess: The bank is our first stop?" The boy questioned.
"Correct." Minerva nodded. "Did you bring your money?" She asked.
"Yeah." The boy nodded in reply.
However, as they neared the slightly crooked building of Gringotts, the boy heard the faintest sound of mewing coming from a nearby alleyway—a sound he was very accustomed to.
"What the–? Is that a kitten?" He gasped, catching Minerva's attention just in time for him to head in the mewing noise's direction.
He walked over to the alleyway and saw a small, barely just weaned kitten huddled against a crate that was outside a cauldron shop, it was shivering—its fur wet and cold.
It had white fur along and a turtleback pattern and green eyes, which were filled with desperation and hope.
"You're coming with me." He nodded, picking the little feline up and holding him close.
"I see you've found your pet." Minerva remarked with a smile as Joshua turned to her.
"I love cats. What can I say?" The boy shrugged.
He then proceeded to dry the little one off while he tucked him into his jacket, letting him get warm, before they went into Gringotts.
(Later)
Needless to say, Joshua did not like the bank all that much.
The Goblins running it—while fair and far from miserly—didn't give Joshua the exchange in currency he thought was fair.
But, that said, it still left him with plenty to get the money he needed for his supplies, open up his own vault which would spontaneously acquire dividend gold, silver and bronze every month or so depending on several factors—and have some left over for his personal use.
It was new, having his own bank vault. Not something one expects to have at age twelve.
At any rate, he was now in the process of getting his books for the year… and saw a rather bizarre section of the store.
A section of books with titles referring to someone he wasn't familiar with: Harry Potter.
"... Do I wanna know?" He asked with a confused and weirded out look.
"Potter's not even two years old yet and they're still on about it…" McGonnagal sighed. "Best you ignore it for now." She told him.
"Um… Okay…" Joshua coughed as they moved along.
(Later)
After getting potion supplies, quills, etc and clothes taken care of, it was time for Joshua to get his wand. For that, they were heading to Ollivander's wand shop.
"So I just go in here?" He asked.
"Yes. I'll be out here waiting for you." The woman nodded.
Walking inside, Joshua saw shelves full of all the wand cases in the world as far as he could tell.
There were so many.
"Well, when selecting a wand, one must be ready." The boy mused.
"Quite right." A voice said behind him, causing the tall twelve year old to jump and turn around.
Standing there was an elderly looking man with wiry white hair, smokey blue eyes, canyon carved wrinkles and long fingers, which were all enveloped in a slightly worn set of robes.
"Here for your wand, I presume?" He questioned.
"Um, right." The boy nodded slowly as his heart calmed down. "How does this go, anyway?" He questioned.
"The wand chooses the wizard, young man." The older man said. "It is not always clear why, but it's something that cannot be controlled, try as we might." He hummed.
Then he began rummaging for a wand box, and after a moment, he came back with one.
"Here. Ten inches, maplewood, rigid flexibility, dragon heartstring core." He said as he opened the box.
The wand was fairly simple in design with no discernible handle—Joshua guessed that handles came separate—and was a bright maple red-orange in color.
"Go on, take it and give it a flick." The old man urged.
Doing so, Joshua flicked the wand… and it flew out of his hands and back into its case, like it wanted nothing to do with him.
"Rude." The boy huffed indignantly.
"Apparently not." Olivander hummed as he put the wand away and got a different one. "Hazel wood, Phoenix Feather, quite bendy, 11 inches." He said, describing the wand in question.
One flick saw the wand making River (his kitten) startlingly go flying upward briefly from the pocket he was in, mewing in distress before Joshua caught him.
"Back to the shelf!" Joshua hissed in displeasure, almost slamming the wand back in its case.
"Agreed." The wand maker nodded in agreement as he put the wand back with a displeased look on his face. "Perhaps this." He offered, handing out a third wand. "14.5" long Chestnut wand with a unicorn core and hard flexibility." He explained.
This wand, unlike the others, did have a more ornate handle though. Said handle was dark blue with silver leaved on it while the wand itself was grey in color.
Taking the wand, Joshua gave it a flick and widened his eyes when blue flames erupted from it, taking the form of the Mothman before it vanished.
"My my, that was unique." Ollivander hummed. "Nonetheless, this is the wand for you." He told the boy with a nod.
"How much do I need to pay?" The taller than most boy asked, putting his kitten back in his pocket.
"I typically start at five galleons or so then make up the difference in shillings and tuppence." Olivander replied, causing the boy to get the base fee out of the way before he began making up the difference the rest of the way.
After a few minutes, Joshua gave his thanks and goodbyes before he walked out of the shop with his new wand.
"Any trouble with the selection process?" Minerva asked as she stood off to the side.
"The second wand I tried sent River flying upward before I caught him mid-fall." Joshua grunted in reply, causing the Gryffindor house head to wince.
"You have every right to be displeased with that wand." The woman acknowledged. In fact, she was pretty sure anyone would be irked by a random wand giving their pet grief.
"Yeah… So, what now?" The boy asked.
"Your parents should be at the train station by now, so we'll head there." The woman replied. "You'll need this." She told him, handing him a ticket.
"Alright, let's go." Joshua nodded, taking said ticket. "… Platform Nine and Three Quarters? That can't be right." He said.
"You'll see." Minerva said.
(Timeskip)
It was about an hour later and now Joshua was meeting his parents at Kings Cross station while McGonnagall led them to where the platform they needed to be on was located.
"You ready for this, boyo?" Chris asked, looking at his tall eleven year old son.
"No… But I'm going anyway." Joshua shrugged. He had strong doubts that he could be 100 percent ready for this, so better to just get on with it.
As they reached where they were supposed to be, McGonagall ended up leaving them to their own devices as another presumably wizard family came up beside them.
It was a couple, both of them were redheads, with an eldest child who was Joshua's age and the rest were younger by either two or upwards of four years in age—with the youngest just being a year old.
"Excuse me, ma'am." Rebekah asked as she looked at the woman. "I hope we're not bothering you, but do you happen to know how to get onto platform Nine and Three Quarters?" She asked.
"Oh, you must be muggles, is your son attending Hogwarts?" The redhead asked, getting a nod. "Ah, well no worries." The woman replied assuringly. "I'm Molly Weasley, and these are my husband Arthur and sons Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred and George—." She began.
"He's not Fred, I am!" One of her kids, twins, exclaimed indignantly.
"Honestly woman and you call yourself our mother." The other added, showing quite the attitude for a kid.
"Uh, is this normal for them?" Joshua blinked in confusion.
"Unfortunately. And lastly are our youngest, Ron and Ginny." Molly nodded.
"Cute." Nathan nodded. "So what's the deal with the platform?" He asked.
"The way there is between platforms nine and ten. We'll show you the way." Bill replied as they stopped at the area in question.
Then he pointed his cart in front of the wall aimed at platform ten and rushed forward–where he went through the wall like it wasn't there.
"Ooh, I get it. Nice." Joshua nodded. "Yeah, I can work with this." He added.
"Stay safe, sweetie." Rebekah told her son, kissing his forehead.
"Bye guys." Joshua nodded as he hugged his family goodbye and then followed Bill through the wall—before coming upon a completely different station, bright gold and red with the number Nine and Three quarters on it—where a truly beautiful steam locomotive was parked.
He had to admit, the magical world did not lack a sense of style.
"Okay, let's get aboard while I can…" He muttered as he made his way onto the train, tucking his kitten—who he named River—into his jacket pocket.
As his things was loaded, he got into a compartment, and not long after he sat down, three people poked their heads in.
One was Bill, which Joshua was pleased with, and the other two were boys he didn't recognize.
One was a boy with slightly pale skin, blonde hair and silver eyes. He was wearing a blue shirt under a black jacket, blue jeans and a pair of sneakers.
The second was a boy with olive skin, brown hair that was short but shaggy, brown eyes, and had a nicked scar above his left eyebrow. Attire wise he was wearing a black Irish sweater and a red shirt, blue jeans and red sneakers, and a tiger's eye dinosaur necklace that seemed to be in the vague shape of a T-Rex. Lastly, he had on a pair of rectangular glasses.
"Oh, hey. Mind if we sit here?" Bill asked.
"Everywhere else is full." The blonde nodded.
"Seats are open, boys." Joshua nodded in reply, allowing them to sit. "So, mind telling me who you two are?" He asked, looking at the new faces.
"I'm James Keddle. I'm attending with my twin sister, Ginny." The blonde replied.
"Cadmus Prince. I'm going ahead of my little brother Lucius." The brunette replied as he reached into a satchel he had with him and pulled out what looked like a miniature dragon of some sort.
"Whoa! Is that a Pocket Dragon?!" Bill exclaimed.
"Hungarian Horntail to be precise." Cadmus nodded as he pulled out his wand, which was a Hazel wood ringed dark brown tipped wand with a unicorn core, 10 3 / 4 inches in length, had a hard flexibility and had a Regal Blue handle. "Piertotum Locomotor!" He uttered—which caused sparks to fly from his wand and his dragon toy to come to life.
It wasn't spewing fire, but it did let out little roars as it climbed up to Cadmus' shoulder.
"Joshua Lynch, Magical Creature magnet." Joshua nodded.
"Creature magnet?" James blinked.
"I've been attracting magical creatures since I was a baby, the first of which being the Snally Ghaster." The bespectacled boy replied.
If the other boys were drinking anything, they would've spewed it.
"Bloody hell!" Bill exclaimed as they all stared at him.
"Oddly enough I have the ability to talk to animals." James nodded.
"And I can read minds." Cadmus nodded before he suddenly turned his hand into diamond, a demonstrating that it was real by letting his pocket dragon nibble on his finger. "And turn my body into diamond, but when I do, I can't try to read minds or else I'll get a headache." He continued.
"We're definitely an odd bunch, aren't we?" Joshua mused.
"Seems so." Cadmus nodded. "So what kind of wand do you guys have?" He asked.
Joshua pulled out his own wand in response, which was being chewed on by a tiny River.
Bill pulled out a unicorn wand with a simple handle, and James pulled out a classic styled black Poplar wood wand with a unicorn core, 11 1 / 4 inches long, quite bendy flexibility, and an Arrow Black handle.
"Nice, looks like we'll all be arriving at Hogwarts in style." The boy nodded before a woman with a trolley came by.
"Anything from the trolley, dears?" She asked.
"Hm… Those chocolate frogs look pretty good." Joshua hummed, he'd seen the candies while getting his supplies.
"Hey Bill, you want anything?" James asked.
"No thanks, I'm all set." The redhead sighed, holding up a rather sad looking corned beef sandwich.
This caused the other three to look at each other before looking back at the trolley woman.
"Give us everything ya got." They told her, pulling out some money.
A couple of minutes later, the four boys had quite an assortment of treats that were liable to drive diabetics from the immediate area.
Joshua would know, since his mom is one.
"Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans?" Joshua questioned, holding up a tin of jelly beans that looked almost circus-like.
"Yeah, and fair warning, the name isn't a joke. It's very literal." Bill told him.
Looking at the tin warily, Joshua opened it and picked up a brown bean.
"Please be chocolate…!" He prayed as he ate it. "... Phew. It was chocolate." He sighed in relief.
"My little brother George swears he got a bogey flavored one once." The redhead noted.
"I was actually forced to eat a soap flavored one by my mom, after I cussed out my cousin." Cadmus added with a shudder.
"I had the bad luck to get a vomit flavored one.' James gagged. "You're the lucky one here." He added, looking at Joshua with a form of comical envy.
"I'll take your word for it." Joshua nodded as he took a chocolate frog. "These aren't chocolate covered frogs, are they?" He asked.
"No. They're made entirely of chocolate in the shape of a frog and hit with an animating spell." Bill explained in reply. "They can only hop once, so don't let it get out the window." He added.
"But they can have either peanuts, fruit filling or marmalade in them." James nodded.
"The marmalade ones are my personal favorites." Cadmus smiled as he released his frog, grabbed it, and bit its croaking head off.
When Joshua opened his, he was slow to grab the living treat inside, but that was where River came in. The moment he saw the living treat moving about, he pounced it and pinned it down long enough for his human to grab it.
"Good boy." Joshua smiled as he gave River some head scritches.
"Cute cat." James smiled before a small burrowing owl suddenly popped its head from his jacket pocket. "This is Digger." He chuckled. "He prefers to be in my pocket rather than a cage." He added.
"Some people in the muggle world call owls "flying cats." I find myself wondering how true that is." Joshua chuckled.
"My pet is a—." Cadmus chimed in before he was suddenly cut off by a raven popping its head out of his shirt.
"Nevermore." It uttered, before ducking back under his owner's jacket.
"Yeah, that." The boy nodded.
"... Okay, were you reading some of Edgar Allen Poe's works?" Joshua deadpanned rather well for an eleven year old.
"Yeah. His name is even Edgar." The bespectacled boy nodded, right as the door opened again and a girl popped her head in.
She was around their age with fair skin, black hair with a bow on top of her head and silver eyes. She appeared to be wearing a set of robes meant for young witches.
She was also dragging a case of her belongings with her.
"Has anyone seen a squirrel? A girl named Ginny's lost one." She asked the trio, her accent seemed to convey that she was from Oxfordshire—which was in contrast to Bill's Devon accent.
"Oh no, Sully's missing again?" James groaned.
"Sadly." The girl sighed in reply.
"Uh, no we haven't." Joshua replied with a blink before noticing that Cadmus looked like a doe in headlights as he looked at the girl in the doorway, mouth agape. "Uh, Cad? You okay?" He asked.
"I think I'm in love…" He muttered absentmindedly.
Luckily the girl didn't hear him as she was focused on talking to James.
"I take it you're Ginny's twin?" The girl asked.
"Yeah. I'm James Keddle. And these are my friends Joshua Lynch, Bill Weasley, and Cadmus Prince." The blonde replied.
"Nice to meet all of you." The silver eyed girl nodded in reply. "I'm Lavender Wisp." She nodded, introducing herself. "You lot better change into your robes, I suspect we'll be arriving soon." She told them before leaving.
…
Seconds later, Cadmus suddenly fainted, causing Edgar to wiggle out of his jacket.
"... Should we wake him up?" James asked after a beat passed.
"I'll get something…" Bill sighed.
(Later)
It was now late at night and the kids now all reached Hogwarts station, where an expectant Hagrid was waiting while the first years arrived, one by one.
"First years! First years! Gather round! Come on, don't be shy!" The man called, holding a lantern.
"Hey Hagrid!" James beamed as he walked up to the man.
"Let me guess, he helped you out with your school supplies?" Joshua asked.
"Kinda, my sister and I are half and half." The blonde replied. "Our dad's a muggle, mum's a witch." He continued. "Bit of a nasty shock for him when he found out." He added as a girl ran up to him, tears in her eyes.
The girl in question was a redhead like Bill with curls, but was shorter than James, probably only five feet or so, with freckles all over her face and teal colored eyes.
"Hey, what's wrong?" James asked softly.
"It's Sully, I still can't find him." The girl said, making the other boys realize that she was James's twin sister.
As she said this though, Hagrid walked up to her and knelt down to her level, before he took a pink handkerchief from his coat and dried her eyes with it.
"Now don't chu worry about it, Ginny, I'm sure the little busher's closer than you think." He smiled, right as a Red Squirrel suddenly popped from his coat and actually hopped onto the girl's shoulder.
"Sully!" Ginny gasped, holding her squirrel close. "Ooh, don't make me worry like that again!" She told him in a mix of relief and exasperation.
"Crisis averted." Bill sighed in relief.
"You said it." Cadmus nodded as he looked at Josh, who was doing his best not to stare at Ginny. "Shoe's only the other foot, eh?" He chuckled.
"Shut up!" The bespectacled boy snapped.
Then everyone got into the boats, which had no oars (fat chance of them having motors), leading the boys to believe that the boats had charms on them.
"Well, they certainly get by pretty well without any technology." Joshua noted.
"It's because we use magic in pretty much everything." Cadmus nodded over the bustle in the boat they were in.
"Don't worry, you'll get used to it." James told his new friend.
Though this discussion was cut short when the school came into focus, and the brothers' jaws dropped as they saw what could only be described as a castle straight out of a fantasy novel came into view.
It wasn't just that; the two swore there was an aura coming from the castle itself, an aura that said "welcome home, I've waited for you for so long."
"… This is gonna be awesome!" The four boys exclaimed in unison as they reached the docks.
(Later)
After they finally got to the castle's front door, they were met by none other than Professor McGonnagall.
"Hey professor, it's good to see you again." Joshua smiled at the woman who smiled back before addressing the other students.
"Welcome to Hogwarts, first years. I am Professor Minerva McGonnagal, Deputy Headmistress of Hogwats." The woman told them. "Now, in a few moments you will follow me into the great hall and join your classmates, but before you do that you must be sorted into your houses." She explained. "There are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin." She continued, though the distaste was evident when she mentioned the last one.
"What's with the sour note on Slytherin?" Joshua whispered to the guys.
"A lot of Dark Wizards in England often came from Slytherin, which has left it in a bad light." Bill replied.
"Not to mention, the founder of the house wanted Hogwarts to be pure blood wizards only, and worse yet, his descendant was the worst wizard of all time." James nodded.
"Who's that?" Joshua questioned.
"We don't say his name, but let me just tell you this: He's bad news." Cadmus whispered, before McGonnogall cleared her throat to quiet them.
"Here at Hogwarts, your house will be like your family. Your triumphs will earn you points, any rule breaking and you will lose points." She elaborated. "At the end of the school year, the winning house will be awarded the house cup." She added.
"Note to self, watch out for that." Joshua muttered.
"Note to self: Find loopholes." Cadmus added.
"The sorting ceremony will begin momentarily." McGonnagal told them before she stepped away.
This gave the new arrivals a moment to breathe, and as they did, a kid off to the right decided to make a comment when he saw Joshua.
"So it's true, what they were saying on the train, they let a Yank into Hogwarts." A voice said, causing the two brothers to look at the source.
They found a pudgy looking but not quite fat boy with caucasian skin, brown hair and brown eyes sneering at them. He was wearing normal robes, and he clearly had a condensing attitude about him.
"And who are you supposed to be?" Joshua questioned with a frown.
"Marvolo Rosier. Who're you?" The kid sneered.
"Joshua Lynch." The tall boy replied as River popped out of his robes and hissed at the boy. "And I think my cat isn't fond of your rancid vibes." He added, causing the others to snort.
"Nice." Cadmus grinned.
Marvolo didn't really say anything as he just spat on the ground in detestation, before walking away as McGonnagall returned.
"We're ready for you now." She told the kids.
(Later)
The kids all headed into the great hall, which was absolutely massive, tables everywhere with candles floating in the air with a ceiling that looked like the night sky, and inside—kids of all ages were everywhere.
"Wow…" Joshua breathed.
"You said it, man…" Cadmus nodded.
"It's not actually open." A voice said, causing them to turn and see Lavender. "It's just bewitched to look like the night sky." She informed them. "I read it in Hogwarts: A History." She added.
"Note to self, remember to get that book." The shorter bespectacled boy muttered, much to Joshua's amusement.
Then all the fresh arrivals sat at the tables, and Joshua noted that those presumed to be the faculty were sitting at their own head table.
"Now before we begin, Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few years." McGonnagal said.
The man that stood up at the Headmaster seat alerted the brothers to this being the man Hagrid mentioned.
He is a tall, thin and elderly man with long fingers. His hair and beard are long and silver. He has a long and crooked nose, long fingers and bright blue eyes. He wore half-moon spectacles and he was wearing a vibrant colored robe and hat.
'He looks like he's lived for over a century…' The taller boy thought, seeing how old the man looked.
'Wonder why Hagrid respects him so much.' James questioned mentally.
"Now there are some beginning of term things I'd like to announce." The man said. "As all returning students know, the forbidden forest at the edge of the campus is forbidden to all students." He began. "And, our caretaker, mister Filch, would like me to remind you that the third floor room on the right hand side, is out of bounds. For any of you who do not wish to die a most painful death." He added.
The quartet of friends glanced at each other at that before letting out a loud gulp. It was confusing and suspicious to them, almost like something was hidden there.
"Now when I call your name, you will come up to the podium, I will put the sorting hat on your head, and you will be sorted into your houses." McGonnogal said, at least until the hat sat up revealing its almost face-like front.
And then it started to sing.
"Oh you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
if you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folks use any means
To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!" It sang.
"… Is it just me." Cadmus said as he faced his brother. "Or was that the stupidest thing we've ever seen?!" He questioned, causing Joshua to guffaw.
"Ours is not to reason why." James shrugged.
"Lavender Wisp." McGonnogal called.
"Okay, relax, relax…" She muttered.
"Mental that one, I'm telling you." Bill whispered.
"You'd be nervous too." Joshua whispered back.
Lavender walked up and sat on the stool, where the living hat was placed on her head.
"Hmmmm, right. Yes. Right…" The hat mused for a minute or two. "Okay: Ravenclaw!" It exclaimed.
The Ravenclaw table cheered as Lavender joined them, the girl looking nervous and a little shy.
"Marvolo Rosier." The Deputy Headmistress called, prompting the boy in question to walk up.
"Slytherin!" The hat exclaimed not even a second after it was put on his head.
'Why am I not surprised?' Joshua thought in exasperation.
"That was the fastest sorting I've ever seen…" James muttered.
"Wasn't even on his head long enough to keep it warm!" Cadmus nodded.
"He must've been broadcasting his thoughts loudly." Bill joked, getting some snickers from the others.
"Ginny Keddle!" The Deputy Headmistress called as the girl came up, causing James to tense up.
A few minutes later…
"Oh, I know! Hufflepuff!" The hat exclaimed as the girl and her squirrel bounced to the table—allowing the blonde to let out a breath he didn't even know he was holding.
Joshua patted him on the back, attempting to ease his nerves.
"Bill Weasley." The woman called, prompting Bill to walk up.
When the hat was on his head, barely a minute went by when…
"Ha! Another Weasley! I know just what to do with you: Gryffindor!" The hat exclaimed, causing the table in question to cheer as Bill joined them.
"James Keddle!" The Deputy Head of the School continued.
The blonde walked up and sat on the stool, where the hat was put on his head.
"So! A pair of twins, eh? Well that makes this easy, then! Hufflepuff!" The hat exclaimed.
The Hufflepuff table cheered as James joined them.
"Cadmus Prince!" McGonnagall called, causing the boy to practically jog up to the podium and slide onto the stool, spinning around before settling down as the hat was placed on his head.
"Hmmmm, interesting. I see much potential in this one. A sharp mind, quick wit and even sharper tongue, paired with the most intriguing mixture of a lust for knowledge, gluttony for questions and answers alike and a keen eye for the most unconventional of solutions. Knowledge is power to you, and method for control, even. But you want it for your own amusement…" The Hat hummed to itself. "Difficult choice, you could fit in Slytherin or Ravenclaw. But if I had to guess, I'd pick…" It trailed off for a second. "RAVENCLAW!" It called.
"Nevermore." Edgar cawed, getting some laughter and cheers from the Ravenclaw table as Cadmus joined them.
Joshua sighed in slight dismay, seeing that no matter where he was put, at least two of his friends would be in a different house, which kinda bummed him out.
"Joshua Lynch!" The woman called to him.
'Moment of truth.' The boy thought as he walked up and sat on the stool, allowing the hat to be placed on him.
"My my, you've had quite an interesting life so far. You've met creatures that would've killed most people." The Hat hummed with intrigue. "Not only that, but you've also managed to somehow make friends with them. What luck you have." It chuckled.
"That's certainly a way of putting it." Joshua muttered.
"Not only that, but you want to know more while making bonds along the way." It mused. "In that case—Better be… HUFFLEPUFF!" The hat exclaimed, causing the Hufflepuff table to cheer as Joshua joined them.
(Later)
James' POV
The blonde Kettle sibling nearly fell out of his chair as his entire table erupted into cheers as Joshua was sorted into their house, which caused him to smile, as he was rather pleased with the outcome.
"That's the friend I told you about, the one me and the guys met on the train." James told his sister as Joshua made his way to their table.
'Well, he certainly seems nice.' Ginny mused to herself as the taller boy sat next to her brother.
"So what's the deal with Hufflepuff house?" Joshua asked as he sat down, getting the attention of a Hufflepuff Prefect.
Said prefect was a teenager with hair that was a mixture of blonde and brunette, and had a heterochromic pair of brown and yellow eyes, as well as freckles and a birthmark on his neck.
"We value loyalty and hard work, among other things." He explained.
"So basically my kind of place." The tall boy nodded. "I'm Joshua, by the way." He said.
"Karkus Goldstein." The Prefect smiled back as he shook the boy's hand.
"It's nice to meet you all too." Joshua nodded at everyone who smiled back, Ginny in particular blushing a bit at that.
(Later)
Cadmus' POV
The feast began not long after as soon as food appeared in front of them, causing everyone to start eating.
Over at the Ravenclaw table, Cadmus was enjoying a platter of everything from chicken to Cornish pasties and what have you, when he realized that Lavender was sitting next to him—which caused the boy to freeze, stiff as a board mid bite in a beef pastie.
'Oh no, she's right there…!' He thought nervously.
"Is everything okay?" A prefect sitting next to him asked, causing him to swallow his food as he saw a girl with glasses, and cute face, long black hair in braids on either shoulder, and purple eyes, looking at him in concern.
"Uh… Yeah." He nodded before stealing a glance at Lavender. "I'm… Just deathly afraid of girls I find attractive." He admitted only loud enough for her to hear as he kept eating.
"... Oh, I get it." The perfect nodded after processing his words. "Well don't worry about it, just be yourself and I'm sure you'll warm up to each other." She told him.
"Okay…" The boy nodded. "Thanks…?" He said, trailing off.
"Pansy, Pansy Umbridge." She told him with a smile.
"Cadmus." The bespectacled first year smiled back, before nudging him to get him to try talking to the girl next to him.
"Hey." He said, getting Lavender's attention.
"Oh Cadmus! I'm glad you were able to get sorted." The girl smiled back.
"Thanks." The boy nodded, before they began engaging in amiable conversation.
(Later)
Joshua's POV
Meanwhile, back at the Hufflepuff table, Joshua was elbow deep in a combination of Yorkshire pudding and steak, chicken, pasties, peas and carrots, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables—particularly corn on the cob—several types of bread, a non-alcoholic ginger beer, and a potato soup as well, and on top of that was all manner of desserts.
Yeah, he liked what he was eating.
Despite how good it was, though, he was able to control himself. He wasn't one of those people.
"I don't think I've had food this good in ages!" Ginny exclaimed as she ate some chicken wings..
"I'm inclined to… Agree." Joshua nodded before his gaze lingered on the teacher's table, where he saw two men talking.
One was a middle-aged man with long greasy looking hair and wore black robes. He had a hook-like nose and seemingly had a perpetually 'pissed off' expression on his face.
The other looked like he was in his elderly years (forties or fifties, Joshua couldn't tell) but still retained a bit of blonde hair on his head and his goatee and had blue eyes. He was wearing a formal set of black robes that looked oddly like a 19th century military uniform.
"Who are those two?" The boy asked Karkus.
"That's Professor Snape and Perks." The Prefect nodded. "Perks is the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." He added.
"And Snape?" Joshua asked.
"Potions, but everyone knows it's the Dark Arts he fancies. He's been after Perks job for Yeeeeears." Karkus said.
"Why? Because he thinks he can do better?" Joshua guessed.
"That's the general summary, yeah." The Prefect nodded in reply.
"Wow, dude sounds like a total pain." Joshua said.
"No kidding." James nodded.
(Timeskip)
After the feast was over, everyone went to their respective dorms. Joshua in particular found himself led to what looked like a cellar of all things.
"Is this where the kitchens are?" He asked Karkus as he, James, Ginny and the other students stopped in front of a stack of barrels.
"Just watch." The Prefect grinned as he walked up to a particular barrel and knocked on a section of it five times, and Joshua realized it was to a particular tune.
Then a larger barrel opened up like a door, revealing a passageway.
"This is where the Hufflepuff Dorm resides. Simply knock on this barrel to the tune of "Hel-ga Huff-le-puff" where I knocked, and it will open." He told the first years. "Of course, you're forbidden from sharing this knowledge with those from other houses. This is to ensure the safety of those staying here." He added.
"Why do I get the feeling that they're telling us we can't talk to other people in different houses?" Joshua whispered to James, who shrugged.
"I really hope I don't forget the correct tune." Ginny squeaked. "I heard from one of the other girls that one errant knock can get you doused in vinegar!" She added.
"Oh jeez…" Joshua gulped. He really didn't like the idea of that happening to him.
Upon the entrance opening, everyone went inside—and right away—Joshua and his friends took notice of the fact that the entire common room bore a striking resemblance to the hobbit holes from Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit by JRR Tolkien.
'This… This feels really cozy.' Joshua thought, feeling at ease as he looked around.
Ginny actually felt the same way. The atmosphere here was so relaxing.
"Well, I'd say we're probably in the nicest house of the whole school." James proclaimed as he looked around with a grin on his face.
"You said it." Joshua nodded, breathing in the scent of badger oats that was all through the air of the entire common room, which relaxed him as River rested on his shoulder.
(Elsewhere)
Cadmus POV
Meanwhile, Cadmus was finally able to get enough courage to talk freely with Lavender, and throughout the feast and during their walk to the common room the two discovered that they had quite a bit in common with one another.
For example, Cadmus learned that Lavender liked to study extinct magical creatures, similarly to how he liked to study them and dinosaurs, even showing him a locket that had a Snoot—an extinct bird that the Golden Snitch was based on—embossed on a locket, and he showed her his own necklace.
Then they arrived at a door with a golden eagle knocker on it.
"Okay, how do we get in?" Cadmus wondered.
"You have to tell the Eagle knocker here the answer to a riddle that it asks you." Pansy told them. "Now, who here would like to give it a shot?" She asked.
Undaunted, Cadmus stepped forward.
"Bring it." The boy challenged.
"A Flat with no surface. Seas with no water. Hills with no earth. Roads never stepped on. What am I?" The door knocker questioned.
"Hmmmm… The moon seems too obvious. Plus it doesn't have any of those features. A globe could be it, but globes aren't flat. So that leaves…" The boy mused, rubbing his necklace in thought, before he looked back up. "A map." He stated.
In response, the Eagle folded its wings, and the door opened. His answer was correct.
"Very good, Cadmus!" Pansy smiled, much to the boy's joy as he smiled with a smug grin on his face.
"It wasn't that big of a deal, I just used deductive reasoning and the process of elimination." He told her admittedly.
"Smart." The Prefect nodded, impressed.
Then everyone went inside and saw that the common room looked very much like an observatory. There were books and telescopes all over the place and there were even parts of the night sky painted on the ceiling. There was also a statue of Rowena Ravenclaw as well.
"This definitely looks like a place where smart kids would hang out." The brunette nodded in approval as he and the other first years looked around in awe.
"It's bloody brilliant, you're right." Lavender nodded.
"This will be where you basically live and sleep for the next seven years." Pansy told the first years. "Now, all of you go and find your beds. You've got a busy day ahead of you." She added, and everyone went to the respective bedrooms.
They did indeed have a busy day ahead of them.
ThermalsniperN7: Never thought I'd do my own Harry Potter story. But given that I bought Hogwarts Legacy on Cyber Monday (aka, my birthday this year), I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Here, we have a trio who are basically the equivalents of the Three Musketeers, but are wizards with different backgrounds.
Dragon Emperor0: These backgrounds will be expanded on as the story goes on. But in case you guys are curious, there is the possibility that we could base this story's plot over the course of its many "books" on the story of Hogwarts Mystery, but that's currently undecided as of now. That said, the Wizketeers are basically our interpretation of what we think a next generation version of the Marauders would be. Now whether these guys will have their own nicknames or not like Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs is as of yet undecided.
ThermalsniperN7: So we'll be planning these gradually, but to make this more fun, we've come up with our own antagonist for the story. Though given you guys likely know the movies and books you'll likely already have an idea of who it is—but what they'll be doing as that antagonist shall remain a surprise.
Dragon Emperor0: With that in mind, if you guys think you can come up with any ideas for any shenanigans or such that the Wizketeers could possibly get up to, let us know in the review section, as that could really help us in the long run when it comes to writing these chapters.
ThermalsniperN7: Yeah, and I feel like we're gonna get some potion based shenanigans for ideas, strangely enough. Anyway, see you guys next time.